The moment that is lost is hardly ever found again,As this minute, as the century.Your love when I found it there was a brief dayFor the asking, but you and your Sistersand the Ursulines home from HavreMight easily have snatched you away again —

Most utterly loved woman, most Callanan-like.

Out of this harbor the unlicensed ships sail.The wind catches them, the fingers of heaven.Even the most skilled Master can only protectBut not bring home cinnamon, not profit.

One moment in my life I did sail beyond Roche’s PointSo that you might catch my sail, my merchant eye.

I have traded off your love all my life —The way a Bishop, the way a good Prince ventures forth.

Thomas McCarthy was born in Co. Waterford and educated at University College, Cork. He has published six collections of poetry, two novels and a memoir.